Abstract: Matte grade coated ink jet paper comprises a cellulosic substrate coated with a coating composition comprising a calcined kaolin clay particulate pigment comprising porous aggregates with a total pore volume of 0.60 cm.sup.3 /g to 2.00 cm.sup.3 /g, a narrow particle size distribution where about 90 weight % has an E.S.D. less than 2 microns a mean pore size less than 0.8 microns in diameter, and a cationic polymer with an average molecular weight in the range of 1,000 to 5 million daltons which polymer acts as a dispersant in a precursor slurry and produces a net positive charge on the calcined clay pigment. This chemically treated clay pigment is used in a final coating formulation for the substrate to provide high printing ink density, printed and coating gloss, water fastness resistance, low wicking, and low bleeding on most ink jet papers.